Packing your carry-on bag the right way is so important. Imagine you’re on a 12-hour flight next to a baby and realize you forgot your noise-canceling headphones. Nightmare, right (and I’m allowed to say this as a mother myself)?
As a digital nomad who flies regularly, I’ve learned what’s essential to bring on a plane. Here are my personal 33 most important carry-on bag essentials—with a FREE downloadable checklist just for you!
1. Travel Documents
When deciding what to bring on a plane, start with the basics: travel documents. A safe, organized way to keep your passport, ID, and boarding pass handy is a game-changer. Make sure your travel documents are easy to grab when you need them.
A boarding pass, whether printed or on your phone, should be ready to show. An RFID-blocking wallet is a smart choice to keep everything organized and protected from skimmers.
Checklist for Travel Documents and Essentials:
- Passport and ID
- Printed or digital boarding pass
- Travel wallet (preferably RFID-blocking)
2. Personal Health and Safety Items
Bring any prescription medications you need. Keep hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes handy to stay clean during your trip. Facial wipes are great for refreshing on long flights, and a TSA-compliant travel-sized deodorant will help you stay fresh.
Checklist for Personal Health and Safety Items:
- Prescription medications (in original packaging or clearly labeled)
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial wipes
- Facial wipes
- TSA-compliant travel-sized deodorant
💡 Find the full Amazon Shopping List here.
3. Comfort and Sleep Aids
Long flights can be a struggle if you’re not comfortable. Adding a travel pillow and an eye mask to your carry-on bag essentials can turn even the bumpiest ride into a more restful experience.
Pack a travel pillow that’s compact but supportive. An eye mask and earplugs are great for blocking out light and noise. Compression socks can help with circulation, especially on long flights. A travel wrap or scarf can keep you warm on chilly flights and double as a blanket or pillow.
Checklist for Comfort and Sleep Aids:
4. Clothing Essentials
Pack a lightweight sweater or jacket to stay comfortable if the plane gets chilly. It’s also a good idea to bring spare undergarments for emergencies or long-haul flights. I’ve had two instances where our flights were canceled last minute, and we had to stay an extra night, so now I always pack an additional pair of undergarments—just in case!
Checklist for Clothing Essentials:
- Lightweight sweater or jacket
- Spare undergarments
- Warm, thick socks
5. Electronics and Accessories
Keep your phone and charger close at hand during your flight. Noise-canceling headphones are perfect for enjoying entertainment without distractions. A portable battery pack is a must to keep all your devices charged.
A Bluetooth Audio Transmitter allows you to connect your wireless headphones to the in-flight entertainment system. I’ve got one for my Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones.
A device stand or holder is also super handy for using your phone or tablet hands-free.
Checklist for Electronics and Accessories:
- Mobile devices
- Chargers
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Portable battery pack
- Bluetooth Audio Transmitter
- Device stand or holder
6. Entertainment and Productivity
Bring an e-reader or tablet loaded with books, movies, or anything you need for work. A notebook and pen are handy for jotting down ideas or filling out forms.
Checklist for Entertainment and Productivity:
- E-reader or tablet
- Notebook
- Pen
7. Toiletries and Personal Care
Pack a TSA-compliant toiletry bag with your liquids and gels in small containers (3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less). Lip balm and moisturizer are essentials to fight dry cabin air (more on that later). Don’t forget a toothbrush and toothpaste to stay fresh on long flights.
Checklist for Toiletries and Personal Care:
- TSA-compliant toiletry bag (liquids/gels in 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less)
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
💡 Find the full Amazon Shopping List here.
8. Snacks and Hydration
Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up after security and stay hydrated. Pack some healthy, non-perishable snacks like nuts or granola bars to keep your energy up during the flight.
Checklist for Snacks and Hydration:
- Reusable water bottle
- Healthy snacks (e.g., nuts, granola bars, dried fruits)
9. Miscellaneous Essentials
A luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag can help you keep tabs on your bag. A small first aid kit with basic supplies is useful for minor issues.
Checklist for Miscellaneous Essentials:
- Luggage tracker (e.g., Apple AirTag)
- Small first aid kit
Download Your FREE Printable Carry-On Bag Essentials Checklist Here!
DownloadPrescription Medications: What to Pack and How
Always keep your prescription meds in your carry-on, so they’re easy to access when you need them. You don’t need the original prescription bottles, but it’s smart to label them clearly for a smooth security check. Pills and solid meds are allowed in any amount, but they’ll still go through screening. If you don’t want them X-rayed, just ask for a visual inspection.
For liquid medications, you’re allowed to bring more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), as long as you let the TSA officers know at the checkpoint. And if you’re carrying extras like syringes or freezer packs, give the officers a quick heads-up before the screening starts.
Skincare at 30,000 Feet: What Happens to Your Skin on a Plane
Flying can take a toll on your skin, thanks to the dry cabin air and high altitude. The average humidity level on a plane is just 10-20%, far lower than the 40-60% your skin is used to on the ground. This lack of moisture can cause your skin to become dehydrated, leading to tightness, flakiness, and even breakouts. Long flights can make it worse, as your skin has less time to recover.
To combat this, keep your skin hydrated by using a moisturizer or a hydrating mist during the flight. Don’t forget to drink water, too—your body loses up to 50 ounces (1.5 liters) of water during a three-hour flight!
Packing Tips: Make the Most of Your Carry-On
Packing smart can save you time and hassle when traveling. Start with packing cubes or Ziplock bags—they’re a lifesaver for keeping everything organized. Use them to separate clothes, toiletries, and gadgets, so you can quickly grab what you need.
For liquids, place them at the top of your bag in a clear, TSA-compliant bag. This makes getting through security much easier and faster. When it comes to clothes, roll instead of fold. Rolling not only saves space but also helps minimize wrinkles.
What to Pack for Different Types of Flights
When figuring out what to bring on a plane, the length of your flight matters. Short-haul flights call for the basics—snacks, headphones, and your travel wallet—while long-haul journeys demand extra carry-on bag essentials like sleep aids and layers.
Here’s how to tailor your packing list for short and long-haul flights:
Short-Haul Flights
For shorter trips, stick to the basics. You’ll likely only need:
- Headphones: Perfect for tuning out the noise or enjoying a quick playlist.
- Snacks: Pack something easy and mess-free, like granola bars or nuts.
- Travel Documents: Keep your passport, boarding pass, and travel wallet handy for easy access.
Long-Haul Flights
For longer journeys, comfort and entertainment are key. Consider adding:
- Sleep Aids: A travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs can make a world of difference.
- Extra Layers: Bring a lightweight sweater or travel blanket to stay cozy when the cabin gets cold.
- Entertainment Options: Load up your tablet or e-reader with movies, books, or games.
- Hydration Essentials: A reusable water bottle and lip balm to combat the dry cabin air.
What Not to Pack in Your Carry-On
When it comes to packing, less is often more. Avoid filling your bag with items you won’t need or things that could cause issues at security. Here’s what to leave behind:
- Full-Sized Liquids: TSA rules only allow containers up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on. If you pack full-sized toiletries, they’ll be confiscated at security. Instead, stick to travel-sized versions or buy what you need at your destination.
- Heavy Books: Love a good read? Swap bulky books for an e-reader or tablet. They’re lighter, take up less space, and you can carry an entire library in one device.
- Too Many Extras: It’s tempting to overpack “just in case,” but lugging around unnecessary items adds weight and hassle. Think through what you’ll realistically use during your flight and prioritize essentials.
👉 You might also find these articles interesting:
– The Ultimate Digital Nomad Packing List
– What to Wear in Thailand? 20 Do’s and Don’ts
– Luggage Trends: The 6 Best Travel Bags for Kids
– Beach Packing List: Family Essentials
Conclusion on What to Bring on a Plane
Packing your carry-on right makes all the difference for a smooth flight. I always make sure I’ve got my travel documents, some snacks, and the basics to stay comfy. And honestly, I wouldn’t step into a public place—let alone a plane—without my noise-canceling headphones anymore. Customize your bag to fit your trip, and you’ll be set for anything, whether it’s a quick hop or a long haul.
What’s the one thing you never travel without? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ on What to Bring on a Plane
What qualifies as a personal item?
A personal item is typically a smaller bag like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Airlines have specific dimensions, so check their rules before packing.
What items are prohibited in carry-on luggage?
Sharp objects like razor blades, box cutters, and straight razors are not allowed. Pepper spray, aerosol insecticide, brass knuckles, baseball bats, ski poles, and small arms ammunition are also banned. Check TSA’s website for a complete list.
Are safety razors or disposable razors allowed in carry-on baggage?
Yes, disposable razors and safety razors (without blades installed) are permitted in carry-on luggage. Straight razors, however, must be checked.
Can I bring snacks or baby food on a plane?
You can bring solid snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or fruits. Baby food and breast milk are also allowed, even in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), as long as you inform TSA officers during screening.
Are portable chargers allowed on planes?
Yes, portable chargers (power banks) are allowed in carry-on luggage but not in checked bags. Make sure the charger complies with airline watt-hour limits (usually 27000mAh, or in other words, 100Wh).
Can I bring ice packs or gel packs for medical needs?
Yes, ice packs for medical purposes are allowed, but they must be frozen solid at the time of screening. Inform TSA agents if you are carrying them.
How can I make airport security checks smoother?
Use TSA PreCheck if available—it’s a great way to speed through security. Place your quart-sized liquids bag and electronic devices in an easy-to-access spot for quick removal at the screening checkpoint.
Can I bring self-defense sprays or tools in carry-on luggage?
Self-defense sprays like pepper spray are generally not allowed in carry-on luggage. Always check specific rules for domestic and international flights, as penalties can apply.
Where should I store valuable items during a flight?
Valuable items like electronics, jewelry, or important documents should always be kept in your hand luggage. Avoid placing them in the overhead bin if possible, as this keeps them easily accessible.
What are the carry-on rules for international flights versus domestic flights?
While many rules are similar, some international airlines have stricter size and weight limits for carry-on baggage. Always check your airline’s specific carry-on luggage rules before traveling.
Can I bring a collapsible water bottle on the plane?
Absolutely! A collapsible water bottle is on of my personal carry-on bag essentials is a great way to save space in your bag and stay hydrated. Fill it up after clearing airport security.
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